A Glorious Ode to Queerness: Jane Flett’s “Freakslaw”
In the dark noir heart of LGBTQ literature, Jane Flett’s “Freakslaw” slides in as a magnificent celebration of difference and diversity. From its opening pages, the book relishes in the unique and the extraordinary, inviting readers into a dark, vibrant, universe where the unconventional is not just accepted but glorified.
Flett’s narrative is steeped in a rich tapestry of pagan rituals, carnival mystique, and the whimsical charm of a travelling fairground. These elements intertwine seamlessly with queer narratives, creating a hauntingly beautiful and energetically defiant story. The dark energy that pulses through “Freakslaw” propels the story to a breathtaking crescendo, leaving the reader in awe of its raw power and emotional depth. In a small parochial Scottish town life goes on in dull suffocating monotony, but there’s a reckoning in the air, for ancient crimes as something wicked this way comes.
Freakslaw is a superb metaphor for the queer community. Flett masterfully uses the metaphor of the travelling carnival and freakshow—a space historically seen as a display of the “other”—to explore themes of acceptance, belonging, and the search for family. This book is a poignant reminder of the strength found in chosen families, and the comfort and love that can be discovered under the diverse Queer umbrella. The protection a self-defined space can offer and the idea of sanctuary that offers hope from stifling small town repressions.
The characters in Freakslaw are richly drawn and vividly alive, each contributing to the gaudy tapestry of the narrative. They embody the myriad experiences and identities within the queer community, from the flamboyant and fierce to the quiet and introspective. Through these characters, Flett paints a picture of a world where everyone has a place, and every identity is celebrated.
The carnival setting is more than just a backdrop; it is a living, breathing entity that enhances the story’s themes. The atmosphere of the travelling fairground—with its transient nature and eclectic mix of people—mirrors the experiences of many within the Queer community. It’s a place where those who have been marginalized can find acceptance and create their own sense of home and family. Where drama is standard and life is for living.
Flett’s prose is lyrical and evocative, capturing the essence of the carnival and its inhabitants with a poet’s touch. Linking in ancient wrongs and the idea of generational guilt, of communities having to atone for the crimes of forbearers and how spirits cry out for justice and vengeance. The book’s pacing is controlled, building tension and suspense as the story unfolds, leading to a crepuscular brutal climax that is as inevitable as it is surprising. The resolution ties together the various narrative threads in satisfying and thought-provoking ways.
The book’s exploration of pagan themes adds a layer of spiritual depth, connecting the characters’ personal journeys to broader, ancient cycles of life, death, and rebirth. This connection to the natural world and its rhythms underscores the book’s message of unity and belonging, suggesting that, just as in nature, diversity is not just tolerated but is essential to the richness of life.
In Freakslaw, author Flett has crafted a work that mirrors the experiences of many within the LGBTQ community who seek acceptance and belonging in a world that often feels transient and unwelcoming. The carnival’s vibrant energy and eclectic mix of characters provide a rich backdrop for the story’s unfolding drama. It’s a profound metaphor for the Queer community. The freakshow, historically a space of exploitation and marginalization, is transformed in Flett’s hands into a symbol of empowerment and celebration. The retribution saturated wheels of serving justice on the historical heirs of perpetrators of bigotry and hate that turn withing the dark heart of Freakslaw make the book a deeply resonant and inspiring read whilst offering savage resolutions to inflicted pains from patriarchy and heteronormative pressures which speak to Queer righteous anger.
Freakslaw is an candyfloss tinged exploration of the concept of chosen family. In a world that often feels alienating and hostile, the characters in Flett’s novel find solace and support and redemption within this makeshift community. A shivering, gloamy delight of a read.
Out now £16.99 Hardback & ebook
For more info or to order see the publishers website here.
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